Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that you receive every three months. This form of birth control contains the hormone progestin, which typically suppresses ovulation by keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg. Progestin also thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

Dr. Rebecca Levy Gantt, MD, OB/GYN, told INSIDER that the patients in her practice report the most side effects of any birth control method with Depo-Provera. She said the side effects are unpleasant and have caused many women to stop using this form of birth control. Gaither agrees with Levy, and both doctors report that patients can experience any of the following:

There are two types of IUDs: copper (non-hormonal) and hormonal. Both come with their own side effects, but for the most part, they are less than many other forms of birth control.

Levy said that nine out of 10 women love the IUD, but "of course there's always the one in ten who gets acne and depression and asks me to remove it." Some of the side effects reported by women include: